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| Tuesday, 22 November 2011 16:05 |
Portuguese Cup draw: Red-hot Maritimo host BenficaSporting host Belenenses; Potential Lisbon derby in quarter-finals  The Portuguese Cup draw for both the fifth round and the quarter-finals took place this afternoon. There is no doubt about the tie of the round of sixteen. Benfica must travel to Madeira to play Maritimo, who are unbeaten since August, and who have won their last five matches in Funchal.
Maritimo have been in sensational form in 2011/12, winning 10, drawing 3 and losing just one of their 14 matches so far this season. With Benfica themselves still unbeaten this campaign, the match-up is the very definition of a plum tie. The game has been brought forward to Friday 2 December upon request from the Eagles, owing to European commitments.
Another classic of Portuguese football was drawn out of the hat, with Lisbon club Belenenses travelling north across the city to take on Sporting at the Alvalade. Belenenses are currently languishing in the Liga Orangina, but are one of Portugal’s most historical clubs, having lifted the Portuguese title in 1946.
The other three top-flight teams left in the cup, Academica, Olhanense and Nacional were all drawn away and face tricky fixtures at Leixoes, Estoril and Tirsense respectively.
Fifth-round draw2 December 2011
Maritimo-Benfica
4 December 2011
D. Aves-Ribeira Brava
Mirandela-Oliveirense
Moreirense-Torreense
Tirsense-Nacional
Leixoes-Academica
Estoril-Olhanense
5 December 2011
Sporting-Belenenses
The pairings for the quarter-finals were also drawn. Should Sporting and Benfica make progress, they two Lisbon giants will meet at the Alvalade for a place in the semi-finals.
Quarter-final drawSporting or Belenenses-Maritimo or Benfica
Leixoes or Academica-D. Aves or Ribeira Brava
Moreirense or Torreense-Tirsense or Nacional
Mirandela or Oliveirense-Estoril or Olhanense
Tom Kundert
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The "Classico" is truely back. Granted for me, it never went away.
Frankly I was beggining to feel all sick, actually rooting for Sporting in European play, and even for them to finish third. It will be wonderful to fully despise them once again.
Olhanense not only has a good shot at the quarterfinals, it can be said that they have a good shot up until the semi's. This is what I love about cup games, anything can happen.
I'll also be rooting for Oliveirense all the way as they are located near my hometown in Portugal. Good stuff!